Sunday, October 19, 2008

"Dentists have fared pretty well in recent years, with the average dentist earning $198,350 in 2005, the most recent figure available. Dental fees too have been rising, along with other medical costs."

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported ...tooth decay in very young children had risen over the past decade. And nearly a third of Mexican American children ages 6 to 11 had cavities in their permanent teeth, compared with 19 percent of Anglo children."

"The death of a young boy in Maryland last year from untreated dental problems was shocking, Feldman [American Dental Association President] said."

“There's no question the concern right now is access to care for the poorest of the poor,” Feldman said. “People who just can't get access to a dentist — that doesn't deserve to take place in this country and there are ways to address that. It's going to take partnerships with the government, with dentistry, with industry. But sooner or later, it's going to take some money being put on the table. And right now is going to be a tough time.”